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12/30/2006 05:53:00 AM · #1 |
Can someone tell me why a poor photographer like myself wouldn't be happy with a $65 Bogen / Manfrotto 486RC2 Compact Ball Head?
What's really the difference between that one and one that costs $200+? To me this ballhead sounds like it has most anything I'd need. It's a ballhead and can support the weight of my camera+extras.
What causes the high price?
1 - Actual weight of the ballhead
2 - Weight the it can support
3 - Material
4 - Lube vs no lube
5 - Adjustment doo-dads that I'll probably never use
What am I missing? I don't do a whole lot of shooting moving objects. I will be shooting outdoors mainly and it will probably be wet due to my living in Oregon. It just seems like any head over the Bogen / Manfrotto 486RC2 is too much for me and what I can justify spending. |
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12/30/2006 08:14:14 AM · #2 |
| Well I couldn´t cause that´s the head I have on my 055 tripod, totally agrees with me anyway :) |
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12/30/2006 08:15:48 AM · #3 |
| I have it and have been pretty pleased with it. With a large lens it can sometimes be difficult to lock down, but otherwise is fine. |
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12/30/2006 08:22:19 AM · #4 |
Originally posted by Larus:
Well I couldn´t cause that´s the head I have on my 055 tripod, totally agrees with me anyway :) |
That's a popular combination.
I have it too, 055ProB with 486 RC2.
Small and light enough to travel easy, large enough to work comfortable with, steady enough to avoid shake, strong enough to carry 2.5kg (that's the max weight I can create) of camera/lens with ease and all that for an afforadble price.
Edit: does someone know if there is a RC2 plate that I can attach to my 70-200 directly instead of screwing an original RC2 plate on the detachable foot of the lens?
Message edited by author 2006-12-30 08:24:14.
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12/30/2006 10:37:53 AM · #5 |
If you dont mind spending just a touch more this is one that I'd recommend.
322RC2
Widely used by several photogs on this site.
MattO
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12/30/2006 11:07:33 AM · #6 |
| For something the weight/size of the DSC-707, it would surely do the trick. I use the slightly larger 488 (the RC4 version) and I love it. For your purposes, I think the smaller, less expensive compact head would do a wonderful job. |
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12/30/2006 11:15:31 AM · #7 |
I am looking at ball-heads myself for a tripod. Plan on Useing the 1Ds Mark II with it.
But, on another note. Why is it every time I go to B&H, they are not accepting orders?
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12/30/2006 11:22:53 AM · #8 |
I have the 486RC2. I'd go for a bigger ballhead if you fancy putting any long lenses on your camera. I have the 70-200mm on a Digital Rebel XT and have to REALLY lock it tight when using it otherwise there's some creep - no good for long exposures.
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12/30/2006 11:44:08 AM · #9 |
Originally posted by littlegett:
I am looking at ball-heads myself for a tripod. Plan on Useing the 1Ds Mark II with it.
But, on another note. Why is it every time I go to B&H, they are not accepting orders? |
They are closed on the Jewish Sabbath and all Jewish Holidays. You must be trying to shop on Saturday. |
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12/30/2006 11:58:20 AM · #10 |
Originally posted by Nobody:
Originally posted by littlegett:
I am looking at ball-heads myself for a tripod. Plan on Useing the 1Ds Mark II with it.
But, on another note. Why is it every time I go to B&H, they are not accepting orders? |
They are closed on the Jewish Sabbath and all Jewish Holidays. You must be trying to shop on Saturday. |
Didn't know that.. But, I'm guessing it must be saturady everytime I visit the site L()L. Makes sense. Thanx.
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12/30/2006 03:03:19 PM · #11 |
Originally posted by kirbic:
For something the weight/size of the DSC-707, it would surely do the trick. I use the slightly larger 488 (the RC4 version) and I love it. For your purposes, I think the smaller, less expensive compact head would do a wonderful job. |
Actually it's going to be for my D80 which is somewhere between Illinois and Oregon right now and has been for a week. (grrr to holidays and snow)
Realistically speaking I shouldn't be spending another $200, but I did the math and $200 won't kill me. At this point in life there's no way I'm going to get a huge fancy lens since I can't afford one anyway. I figure by the time I can afford a lens that will be too much for this head I'll be able to afford another tripod setup. With a good quality tripod and head I can always resell pretty easily. The biggest lens I'll be getting in any reasonable time is a 70-300mm in Febuary or at the latest when I get my tax return back.
I'm pretty sold on this combo unless someone comes up with a good argument that I shouldn't, heh.
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12/30/2006 03:23:35 PM · #12 |
I have the exact same combo of tripod and head and love it! You won't regret it.
Message edited by author 2006-12-30 15:23:48. |
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12/30/2006 11:39:57 PM · #13 |
I went ahead and got this combo. If I'm unhappy with it in the long run it's all ya'lls fault!
p.s. Thanks for the help and reassurance! Really, heh
=) |
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